Well, almost. The Supreme Court struck down a ban on gay sex last Thursday, June 26, ruling that a Texas law was an unconstitutional violation of privacy. Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote, “The men are entitled to respect for their private lives.… The state cannot demean their existence or control their destiny by making their private sexual conduct a crime.”

The 6-3 ruling reverses a 17-year-old Supreme Court decision that gave states the right to punish homosexuals for what has historically been referred to as “deviant sex.”

The ruling apparently invalidates existing sodomy laws in 13 states — some which criminalize only same-sex acts.

Gays and lesbians all over the United States took to the streets and their local community centers to celebrate. Here in San Diego, a celebration took place yesterday at The Center. Though we have cause to celebrate, we must not let this victory slow us down and be complacent, as I am sure we have not heard the last of this issue. The fundamentalists and the religious right will be re-arming themselves. Most importantly, there might be two Supreme Court justices planning to retire during the Bush administration — a major cause for alarm. We must make sure we elect as many gay men, lesbians and GLBT allies as possible to public office, and boot Bush Jr. out of the White House. We may have won this battle, but the war has just begun!

Our GLBT friends up north in Canada had a major victory of their own. The Ontario Court of Appeals declared that Canada’s definition of marriage as that of a union between a man and a woman was invalid, changing it to a union between two people. Currently, the ruling applies only in Ontario, but Canada has said the entire country will follow suit, joining Belgium and the Netherlands as the only countries recognizing same-sex marriage.

Here in the United States we should expect more vigilant steps taken to prevent same-sex marriage from happening. All eyes are on a case before the Massachusetts’ Supreme Court, in which a ruling is expected within the next two weeks. It seems that marrying the person we love may actually become a reality in our lifetime.

So, all you queer Martha wannabes out there, I’d start thinking about a career as a wedding planner. Can you imagine a caravan of gay and lesbian couples taking a bus trip across the border to get hitched? Move over, Priscilla! I can also see the new Gay Divorce Court with Judge Bonnie Dumanis on Fox TV, “Wedding Tips with Bobby Un-Trendy” on E!, His & His (or Hers & Hers) wedding suits by Dolce & Gabana, and Clay Aikens singing the hit single “Ave Maria.” As for me, I have already ordered my Vera Wang and registered at Tiffanys. All I’m waiting for now is either an A&F model or the Voxx Twins to accept my proposal.

Coronation XXXII is scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 2 at the U.S. Grant Hotel ballroom. Produced by Rick Ford, a sumptuous dinner will be served at the ball this year. Emperor Rafael and Empress Sybil will be stepping down and a new set of monarchs will be crowned that evening. Ball tickets are available by advance sales only, so get your tickets now by calling (619) 523-9500, ext. 15. For a complete listing of Coronation weekend events, visit www.SDCoronation.com.

My favorite airline — JetBlue — made its maiden nonstop flight between NYC and San Diego last Thursday, June 26. JetBlue is revolutionizing the airline industry with its low fares, all new planes, roomy leather seats and your very own TV! Not the tranny, dummy, but DIRECT TV, including the FOOD channel. Regular fares starts at $139 each way. Whopee!

So how do they do this, you ask? Well, JetBlue usually flies to secondary airports (like Long Beach, instead of Los Angeles, or Ontario, instead of Palm Springs) to keep the cost down. They also encourage online reservations. I was told they don’t have huge reservations centers, as they employ many “at home” reservationists. So start racking up your JetBlue points and let’s do lunch in SOHO soon.

Yes, burlesque is alive and well on Broadway this season and Bernadette Peters plays Mama as if it’s a one-woman show. I caught the show while still in New York and even managed to get half price tickets. There have been numerous productions of Gypsy and many Roses as well — from Ethel Merman to Rosalind Russell, Bette Midler in the TV movie and Tyne Daly in the last Broadway production. I loved Bernadette in Sunday in the Park with George and again in Into The Woods. Though I was prepared to be disappointed (I thought she was too pretty and saucy for the role), Bernadette brought us a different Mama all her own. Bernadette doesn’t just sing, she belts out every song and squeezes every ounce of her corseted tits, as she takes her audience on a journey. From her opening number “Some People” to her show-stopping finale “Rose’s Turn,” you forget that she is supported by a wonderful ensemble, unable to take your eyes off her pouty lips and sultry presence. This Mama ain’t staying backstage anymore. Catch Bernadette at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway before the curtain falls.

I managed to take in a few more Pride events while in NYC last week. Starting with AmFAR’s “BoatHouse Rock” at Tavern on the Green. Over 1,300 guests attended the dance party, catered by over 40 of the city’s finest restaurants and featuring DJ Lady Bunny. The event raised over $175,000 for AIDS research.

The 20th Center Garden Party is the largest community event of The Center in NYC. Hard to believe I helped organized the first one 20 years ago. Today this outdoor event attracts over 3,000 guests to Seravalli Park, with local restaurants providing food. The Imperial Court of New York also presented the first Coco LaChine Scholarships at the party, doled out by two GLBT youth participants in their Youth Enrichment Services program.

Hey ya’all, kick off your 4th of July weekend tonight at Bourbon Street with Janice Edwards (yes, she’s back), and stay for the go-go boys. Saturday is the Glow (in the dark) Party with more go--go boys. And you might as well just sleep over for Bourbon Street’s “RoughCut Sunday,” with $3 pitchers of MGD/Miller Light and their famous man-sized BBQ at 4:00 p.m. But be careful with the fireworks — leave them to the big boys.

Friday, July 4, don’t miss Bacchus House’s Latin and American dance night, featuring a LIVE Castillo Band and $2.25 Margaritas. It’s also a benefit for Procabi Centro Familiar.

Tonight at Numbers it’s the Freedom Dance. On Friday, July 4, it’s Bad Kitties night with DJ Kiki and the Pussy Posse Dancers, and Saturday night at Numbers is an Independence Hip Hop Dance with VJ Kool-O Asado in the video bar and DJ Aaron on the main dance floor.

Circuit dance guru Will Gorges brings IndepenDance to Irvine’s Hidden Valley in Laguna Beach on Saturday, July 5, as a benefit for the Long Beach Community Clinic. Dance al fresco on the lakeside dance floor to the explosive sounds of DJs Neil Lewis (San Francisco) and Joe Gauthreaux (New Orleans). And in between songs, try your luck at the ‘wheel of fortune,’ where they promise a prize for everyone. Advance tickets are available at Rainbow Road or online at www.willgorges.com.